Featured
Hakim Ziyech and Tammy Abraham were clearly impressed by former Chelsea teammate Antonio Rudiger after he battled Spain at the World Cup yesterday.
Stamford Bridge past and present left a reply to Rudiger’s Instagram following Germany’s 1-1 draw with the 2010 winners on Sunday.
Ziyech described the defender as a ‘warrior’, whilst Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi chose the ‘flame’ emoji to describe his display.
It might not have been a vintage performance from the Real Madrid centre-back, but it was enough to secure his nation a precious point in Qatar.
Germany’s World Cup dream could’ve crashed down upon them had they failed to defeat Spain.
Japan’s stunning 2-1 victory in the previous fixture meant all the pressure was on Hansi Flick to deliver for his country.
Rudiger helps Germany to big World Cup point
Costa Rica actually did Die Mannschaft a huge favour by beating Japan in the earlier match on the weekend.
Whilst it was not enough to ease all the burden on Flick’s shoulders, he must’ve pumped some optimism into his side.
Rudiger’s disallowed headed goal surely lifted the spirits even further that victory was on the cards.
This minor buoyancy deflated in the second-half against Spain, thanks to Alvaro Morata’s strike just after the hour mark.
But international teams with huge pedigree can always go that extra step when it matters most.
With less than ten minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Niclas Fullkrug smashed his shot into the net to draw Germany level.
Fullkrug came on ahead of Kai Havertz, who was dropped to the bench following his unproductive exhibition against Japan.
Havertz could only watch on from the bench as Rudiger and the rest of the squad celebrated with their new hero.
Germany may need another lead protagonist if they are to reach the knock-rounds and avoid another group stage exit.
